A priest, a rabbi and two teachers get on a plane...

No, really... that's what happened on our way home from New York. I figured, there's no way our plane is going to crash with this much good karma getting on board!

New York was very interesting: we got to watch teachers who were really good at what they did, and not so good at what they did. This is helpful to see, because it allows us to think about what makes a successful lesson, and what would have been better for the students' learning.

On a totally different note, Michael and I spotted comedian Eddie Izzard roaming around Grand Central Station(!). I was seriously going to say something to him, like: "don't poke badgers with spoons" (a reference to one of his jokes)... but I lost nerve as he brushed past my elbow. He had his iPod in and looked like he was enjoying just being a tourist... But now I can say I rubbed elbows with Eddie Izzard! Cool....

I just cleaned the apartment yesterday and it looks great. Now, I have a load in the dishwasher, and am putting off doing my homework for grad-school classes tomorrow. I guess I'd better get going on that. : (

I was going to procrastinate, but I think I'll do that tomorrow.

Teacher retreat

The trip to New York was great. We saw some really interesting classrooms and met some great teachers.

I just returned tonight from a night away on retreat with my school staff. It's nice being around so many people who care so much about our students are really care about their teaching enough to devote personal time to improving what we can offer to them. I was planning our final three weeks of school with another teacher. We'll be taking students out cycling daily as well as doing some rowing and kayaking with them. Should be fun!

Daylight Saving Time begins tonight! Yay!